In the second round of the Foro Italico in Rome, Andy will play the charismatic Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis. On Tuesday, Baghdatis came through a match just shy of two hours against Olivier Rochus, in straight sets.

Like Andy, Baghdatis is playing in Rome as his first tournament since the Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston last month, but he made a good start in beating Rochus who was the champion in Munich last week. Baghdatis has been a star of 2006 so far, coming from nowhere to reach the final in the Australian Open and the likeable Cypriot has become an instant favorite with fans.

Here are some more facts about Baghdatis from the ATP web site:

Birthdate:17-Jun-85
Birthplace:Lima Sol, Cyprus
Residence:Lima Sol, Cyprus
Height:6’0’’ (182 cm)
Weight:177 lbs (80 kg)
Plays:Right-handed
Turned Pro:2003
Current INDESIT ATP Ranking – Singles:20
Career High INDESIT ATP Ranking – Singles:20 (5/8/2006)
Current Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking:332
Career High Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking:315 (1/30/2006)

Andy and Baghdatis have played each other once before, at this year’s Australian Open in the fourth round. Baghdatis caused a major upset when he defeated Andy in four sets, but went on to beat the likes of Ljubicic and Nalbandian before losing to Federer in the final, and he quickly established himself as a star on the world stage. In their second round clash tomorrow, Andy who is playing in one of his favorite cities is looking for revenge for his loss in Melbourne.

“It’s a different match-up than in Australia. He kind of came out of nowhere there and played really well. So I’m excited to get a chance to try to turn it this time. He’s a tough player, a nice kid, and it should be a good one,” Andy commented ahead of the match on Wednesday in Rome.

The eagerly anticipated second round clash between Andy and Baghdatis will take place on Wednesday, second on Center Court with play beginning at 1pm CET, 7am EST. Go Andy!